Whatever John Stones chooses to do in the coming weeks, Hayden Foxe has urged the Everton defender to be "truthful to yourself".

Foxe, formerly of West Ham and Portsmouth, was a ball-playing centre-half similar to Stones and knows the England international was hammered by critics last season for taking too many risks when in possession.

"There is always going to be people that like the style you play and people that are highly critical, it's a matter of opinion," Foxe told Tribalfootball.com.

"Being a professional comes with highly critical judgment." With Stones fielding fresh interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, Foxe says it's critical he listens to those he trusts - no matter where he starts the new season.

"Take note from the senior (experienced) players around you and the coaching staff. The staff would have a plan in place for him to guide him to reach the potential that he is showing and trust himself with his own ability to perform.

"People will always be critical for whatever reason and people will blow c*** up your you know what! It's important not to take notice on both fronts and be truthful to yourself first of all."

- as told to Andy Maclean